GREAT NECK NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL 

SEVENTH GRADE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Each student is assigned to a team composed of five teachers, each of whom specializes in one academic area (English, social studies, math, science, or special education), and a counselor. The team teachers meet daily to exchange ideas concerning curriculum and to discuss ways to provide the best possible learning environment for each student. 

The school day consists of eight instructional periods and a lunch period, each approximately thirty-nine minutes in length. Seventh grade periods include the following:

1. A daily period of instruction in each of the four academic team subjects (English, math, science and social studies)
2. Instruction in exploratory subjects (art, home and careers, computers, health and technology)
3. A daily period of instruction in world language: Spanish, French, Latin, Hebrew, or Chinese), ENL (English as a New Language), a special education service, or an academic intervention (English Learning Center and/or Math Learning Center)
4. Physical Education for one period on alternating days
5. Flex instruction (supplemental instruction in team subjects by team teachers) for one period on alternating days*
6. An opportunity to choose a music elective (band, chorus or orchestra)**
7. Lunch

*Students who need academic intervention may not have room in their schedule for flex instruction.

**Students who do not select band, chorus or orchestra will be required to take Music 7, an introduction to basic music concepts and history.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION

Academic intervention classes are designed to provide remediation in concepts and skills.  Students with scores of 1 or 2 on the New York State Assessments in Language Arts and/or Math are required to take academic intervention classes. Other students may be recommended by their teachers for academic intervention. Students enrolled in these classes may need to delay their study of a foreign language until eighth grade.

ENGLISH LEARNING CENTER

The English Learning Center program is designed for students who need additional assistance in language arts.  The staff focuses on supporting regular class instruction, improving reading and writing skills and helping students meet the New York State English Language Arts learning standards. 

MATH LEARNING CENTER

The Math Learning Center is designed for students who need additional instruction in mathematics. The staff focuses on supporting regular classroom instruction and improving understanding of mathematical concepts, computation skills and real world problem solving. In addition, support and practice designed to help students meet the New York State Mathematics learning standards are provided. The small class size allows time for focused practice, hands-on activities, computer applications and individualized instruction. 

MUSIC COURSE REQUIREMENT

Seventh grade students are required to take a music class unless they need academic intervention. Students who do not select chorus, band or orchestra are required to take Music 7.

Music 7

Music 7 is an introduction to basic musical concepts and music history taught through hands-on activities and listening experiences.

Chorus

Students who are interested in singing in a group may elect chorus. They will work on proper singing technique: individual vocal tone quality, intonation, projection, breath control, and articulation of vowels and consonants.    The chorus performs a wide variety of musical selections in three-part harmony, including popular and Broadway songs, as well as music from the master composers.   Students who participate in NYSSMA in the spring will have the opportunity to be considered for the All-County Festival. Chorus participation culminates in two evening concerts. After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

Band

All students who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and have successfully completed the sixth grade band course (or one year of private study) may register for seventh grade band.  The band rehearses as a full concert band ensemble and incorporates basic technique, drills and warm-ups with the rehearsal of concert band repertoire. Band participation culminates in two evening concerts.  After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

Orchestra

All string players who have successfully completed the sixth grade orchestra course (or one year of private study) may register for seventh grade orchestra.  The orchestra rehearses as a full string ensemble and incorporates basic technique, drill and warm-ups with rehearsal of string orchestra repertoire. Orchestra participation culminates in two evening concerts.  After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

WORLD LANGUAGE OPTIONS

Grade 7 Language options are a continuation of Spanish, French, Hebrew, Chinese, or Latin studied in grade 6.

Spanish 7

Students will continue to develop and integrate the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary study is enhanced as more advanced grammatical structures are added. Students work to develop a familiarity and understanding of the cultural environments where Spanish is spoken and various aspects of everyday living. This course follows Spanish 6, which students took in sixth grade.

French 7

Students will continue to develop and integrate the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary study is enhanced as more advanced grammatical structures are added. Students work to develop a familiarity and understanding of the cultural environments where French is spoken and various aspects of everyday living. This course follows French 6, which students took in sixth grade.

Hebrew 8

Students will continue to develop and integrate the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary study is enhanced as more advanced grammatical structures are added. Students work to develop a familiarity and understanding of the cultural environments where Spanish is spoken and various aspects of everyday living. This course follows Hebrew 6, which students took in sixth grade.

Chinese 7

Students will continue to develop and integrate the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary study is enhanced as more advanced grammatical structures are added. Students work to develop a familiarity and understanding of the cultural environments where Chinese is spoken and various aspects of everyday living. This course follows Chinese 6, which students took in sixth grade.

Latin 7

This is a continuing course in the study of the Latin language. Emphasis is on the study and use of Latin grammar and vocabulary for the purpose of developing reading and writing skills in Latin, and vocabulary and grammar skills in English. The class explores various aspects of ancient Rome and Greece: mythology, history and daily life, and the etymology of English words. This course follows Latin 6 which students took in sixth grade.

GENERAL INFORMATION

It should be understood that the availability of all courses and programs described on this website is subject to recommendation by the administration of the school district and to final action and authorization by the Board of Education as the Board develops its school budget. 

GRADES AND GRADING

Report cards are posted and can be viewed on the parent portal four times a year. The letter symbols listed below indicate academic achievement.

Progress reports will be posted halfway through each marking period.  They allow the teacher to communicate with the family regarding their child's academic progress.

EXTRA HELP

Extra help is offered by teachers to all students.  It may be scheduled before school, during lunch or after school.

The Homework Center in the library is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.  Two staff members are assigned to the center to assist children with homework in all academic areas. Bus transportation is available at 3:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns about extra help, we urge you to contact your child's teacher or his/her guidance counselor.